A federal funding cut to CSIRO of AUD$111 million (US$80m) over four years announced in 2014 made some job losses likely.

But greens questioned the organisation’s priorities. The main areas to be cut are manufacturing, land and water, oceans and atmosphere, and “data innovation hub” Data61 – covering most of the climate-linked research.

Green senator Larissa Waters said: “While so many communities across the country are suffering devastating droughts and the horrific aftermath of intense bushfires, the government is firing the climate scientists who can help us prevent and adapt to the extreme weather of global warming.”

It is the latest government blow to climate research, following a 2013 decision to axe funding for the independent Climate Commission.